COUNCIL GETS UPDATE ON DRUG WAR

SANFORD - Nearly $5 million worth of illegal drugs was taken from
suspected dealers in Sanford and Lee County during 2003, Sanford
Police Chief Ronnie Yarborough told City Council members during its
law and finance committee meeting on Wednesday.

Following up on his report to the board during a recent staff retreat,
Yarborough said the City/County Drug Unit accomplished a lot during
2003, even though the public is unaware of many of the unit's efforts.
The police chief said drug agents seized cocaine, marijuana,
methamphetamine, Ecstasy, heroin, and other drugs throughout the
course of the year, confiscating $32,000 in cash, 10 vehicles, and 50
firearms during the execution of 22 search warrants.

Drug Unit Capt. Dan Kehagias said officers often take action to shut
down suspected drug dealers, only to find the suspects "back in
business the day after the search warrant was executed."

Yarborough said people charged with drug-related crimes often have
little at risk by repeating their criminal behavior. He said suspects
with first- and second-time offenses face "no time," for their
actions, and face the possibility of jail as punishment only after
their third arrest.

"I know the drug problem is a big concern, but Dan and the boys are
doing a lot more than people realize," Yarborough said, explaining the
officers' tactics are governed by "a lot of legal restrictions."

When asked about the possible use of a drug-detecting dog, the police
chief quietly said the city has a dog under the direction of Kehagias.

"I never hear about him (the dog) doing a lot," said Mayor Winston
Hester.

"We don't talk about him (the dog) a whole lot," Yarborough said.